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The viral photo had plenty of timelines in an uproar but after some official sleuthing by “The Breakfast Club” co-host Loren Lorosa, the official facts have come to light.
Tyler Perry and Marlo Hampton shocked the internet when a photo of them in a rather close embrace surfaced on social media. There’s only one catch to the photo: it was artificial intelligence.
Although Perry and Hampton both appeared at the Sea Salt SoulFull Sunday Gospel Brunch in Atlanta earlier this month and posed for a photo together, the image of the two embraced in a steamy kiss was doctored. Although no one knows exactly where that image originated, Loren Lorosa of “The Breakfast Club” confirmed that the two had never met before and the photographer for the event stated that Perry was keeping his presence low-key.
Tyler Perry spotted with his new girlfriend pic.twitter.com/tn6nhKC9vC
“He’s never met her before,” Lorosa said. “Tyler Perry was invited to the brunch by Jason Lee. Marlo was also at the brunch to support her best friend Catherine Brewton, which is how the two ended up in the same place. They met; she’s caught in some videos; they’re taking some photos together too, but they are not dating. That is not happening.”
She added, “I wanna make it clear. I was told by the photographer that Tyler Perry wasn’t even trying to do the photo thing. He didn’t want this to be about him. He was there to enjoy the brunch with his friend Jason Lee and all of this took a left turn.”
The brunch, which is BMI executive Catherine Brewton’s annual soiree, also featured a performance from Kirk Franklin and appearances by T.I. and Tameka “Tiny” Harris.
Tyler Perry IS NOT dating Marlo Hampton (formerly of Real Housewives of ATL) .. that photo of them kissing is FAKE.. AI strikes again. pic.twitter.com/0HqM7TIOLj
Perry has been rather private about his love life. He was linked to fellow filmmaker Gelila Bekele. The pair dated for 10 years before splitting and share a son together, Aman. Bekele also directed Perry’s 2023 documentary, “Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story,” about the filmmaker’s life.
In an interview with Today, Bekele opened up on why there were no difficulties directing such a film years after she and Perry broke up.
“You follow the story,” she said, not letting their relationship cloud her vision of the film. “I think the privilege of having that front row seat for so many years gives you access, but as a filmmaker, there’s a moral integrity of wanting to sort of encompass the unknown, as well as what you already know. So a lot of research has to go into it. Also, I feel like all my other films were preparing me for this and hopefully, by my next film I’ve learned a lot from making this one.”
As far as who Perry is dating now? That is under wraps. Back in 2020, shortly after he and Bekele broke up, he took to Instagram to share that he was “single” and in the midst of a “mid-life crisis,” after posting a post-workout photo.
“I’m 51, single and wondering what the next chapter in my life will look like,” he wrote at the time. “Whatever it looks like I’m going to walk with God, be the best father and man I can be, hold my head up high, and try to look my best doing it!”
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NBA Hall of Famer & 5x champion Dennis Rodman can now add “WWE Hall of Famer” to his long list of accomplishments.
As reported by ESPN, the WWE will honor Rodman for his contributions to wrestling as a member of the iconic nWo (New World Order) faction in WCW. The April 17th induction kicks off WWE’s two-night Wrestlemania weekend in Las Vegas.
Rodman’s wrestling career, though brief, was unforgettable. He made his WCW debut in 1997, aligning himself as a member of the nWo. The faction, founded by Hollywood Hulk Hogan, Scott Hall & Kevin Nash, cemented itself as the ultimate “heels” (a.k.a. “bad guys) at the height of the “Monday Night Wars” between WCW and the then-WWF.
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His most infamous wrestling moment came during the 1998 NBA Finals, when Rodman skipped a Chicago Bulls practice to appear on “WCW Monday Nitro.” This set the stage for a high-profile tag team match at WCW’s “Bash at the Beach,” where Rodman teamed with Hogan to face NBA rival Karl Malone and Diamond Dallas Page.
Rodman’s induction into WWE’s celebrity wing places him alongside other sports icons like Mike Tyson, Muhammad Ali, and Pete Rose. His ability to seamlessly transition from the basketball court to the wrestling ring showcased his larger-than-life personality and knack for showmanship.
This year’s WWE Hall of Fame class also includes other notable inductees, including famed “golden era” tag team Demolition, WWE/TNA legend AJ Styles, and WWE Women’s Champion-turned-CEO Stephanie McMahon.
Rodman’s wrestling exploits, particularly his involvement with the nWo, remain a fascinating chapter in the history of both professional wrestling and sports culture. His induction is a fitting tribute to a man who has always thrived in the spotlight, whether grabbing rebounds or delivering chair shots.

NBA Great Dennis Rodman To Be Inducted Into The WWE Hall of Fame was originally published on hotspotatl.com

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Mark your calendars for May 24. Hot 107.9’s Birthday Bash XXX is gearing up to be a monumental cultural celebration, and the King of the South is taking his rightful place on the throne as the headliner. T.I. helped architect the sound of an entire generation. When he steps on that stage, we will celebrate a legacy of empowering voices, representing our community, and delivering pure hip-hop excellence.
T.I. changed the landscape of rap. He took the gritty realities of Southern life and packaged them into global anthems. His versatility is unmatched. One moment he delivers a club-shaking banger that makes you want to move, and the next, he offers introspective verses that speak directly to our shared cultural experiences. He champions diversity in his sound, collaborating with everyone from underground legends to global pop stars.
To get you ready for the ultimate community celebration on May 24, we put together the definitive list of 30 essential T.I. tracks. From chart-topping singles to deep album cuts and gritty B-sides, this is the soundtrack of a legendary career.
1. What You Know
The ultimate coronation track. When those triumphant horns hit, everybody knows the King has arrived.
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2. 24’s
A legendary street anthem that officially put the music industry on notice. T.I. captured the car culture and the energy of the South perfectly.
3. U Don’t Know Me
Raw, defiant, and completely unapologetic. This track became an instant classic for anyone demanding respect.
4. Rubber Band Man
With a bouncy, infectious beat, T.I. showcased his effortless flow and magnetic charisma.
5. Bring Em Out
Jay-Z provided the sample, but T.I. provided the incredible energy. This remains a staple to hype up any crowd.
6. ASAP
Dark, brooding, and fiercely defensive of his crown. T.I. used this track to solidify his unquestionable dominance.
7. Top Back
A booming tribute to cruising through the city. It captures a specific, shared cultural vibe that resonates across neighborhoods.
8. Dope Boyz
An early cut from I’m Serious that laid the crucial foundation for the trap music explosion.
9. Bankhead (feat. P$C & Young Dro)
A hyper-local shoutout that showed T.I. never forgot his roots or the community that built him.
10. Trap Back Jumpin
A later career banger proving he never lost his edge or his connection to the streets.
11. Whatever You Like
A massive crossover success. T.I. proved he could make smooth, aspirational anthems without losing his authentic voice.
12. Big Things Poppin’ (Do It)
High energy and perfectly produced. This track pushed his sound further into the mainstream while keeping his core fans satisfied.
13. Let’s Get Away
A smooth, melodic cut that highlighted his storytelling ability and laid-back Southern charm.
14. Why You Wanna
Sampling a classic hip-hop beat, he created a laid-back summer staple perfect for cookouts and block parties.
15. You Know What It Is
Fast-paced and assertive. It highlights his sharp lyrical delivery over heavy, pounding bass.
16. Front Back (feat. UGK)
A beautiful homage to Texas and Georgia rap culture, bringing diverse Southern communities together.
17. Be Easy
A masterful album cut showing T.I.’s ability to blend street politics with an infectious, rhythmic bounce.
18. About the Money (feat. Young Thug)
A generational bridge. T.I. teamed up with the new wave to create an absolutely hypnotic club hit.
19. Swagga Like Us (feat. Jay-Z, Kanye West, Lil Wayne)
A monumental cultural event. T.I. stood toe-to-toe with rap’s heaviest hitters and anchored the whole track.
20. Ball (feat. Lil Wayne)
A vibrant, high-tempo celebration track inspired by the distinct bounce culture of New Orleans.
21. Live in the Sky (feat. Jamie Foxx)
A deeply emotional tribute to lost loved ones. T.I. gets vulnerable, reflecting on grief within the community.
22. Dead and Gone (feat. Justin Timberlake)
A powerful reflection on growth, consequences, and leaving a destructive past behind to empower a better future.
23. Live Your Life (feat. Rihanna)
An uplifting, motivational anthem. He uses his massive platform to encourage perseverance and ambition.
24. No Matter What
Recorded during a tumultuous time in his life, this track is a masterclass in resilience and staying strong through adversity.
25. Doin’ My Job
A thoughtful exploration of the systemic traps and realities facing young Black men trying to survive.
26. Still Ain’t Forgave Myself
An early, incredibly raw confession. T.I. strips away the bravado to show the heavy mental toll of his environment.
27. I Still Luv You
A complicated, honest narrative about loyalty, heartbreak, and personal relationships.
28. King of da South
A bold claim backed up by complex lyricism. He outlines exactly why he deserves the title he gave himself.
29. Motivation
A gritty B-side that serves as pure fuel for anyone grinding to better their circumstances.
30. Look What I Got
A celebratory reflection on climbing from the bottom to the top. It highlights the inclusive journey of making it against the odds.
We are ready to celebrate diversity, immense talent, and Southern hip-hop history. When T.I. takes the stage at Birthday Bash XXX on May 24, expect an unforgettable night that highlights the very best of our community. Grab your tickets, revisit these classics, and prepare to witness the King claim his throne.
The King’s Gamut: 30 Essential T.I. Tracks to Prep You for Birthday Bash XXX was originally published on hotspotatl.com
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The October Gallery Museum places art in the community. Here are partner locations where you can have an art experience.
Some locations art is installed inside buildings and visits are during regular business hours. Other locations are by appointment only. Schools are not open to the public. In addition, we have many outdoor installations that you can enjoy around the clock. Check each location below for details. Tours are available upon request. 215-352-3114.
Here are some of our patrons that have donated art and art related items installed as part of our Art in the Community program. Thanks!
Watson and Sonia Brown
Stephanie Daniel
Chad Cortez Everett
Gail Gaines
Dr. Darryl J. Ford
Kelly R. Harrison
Deborah Kelly
Betty Ann D. Lawrence
David Lawrence
Leon McDuffie
Michael Muhammad
Jay R. Ogilvie
Marjorie H. Ogilvie
Junious Rhone, Sr.
Robin Rhone
Shirley Rhone
April Rice
Karen Roach
Monica Rocha
Steve Satell
Deborah Stephens
Staci Watson 
Stephanie R. West
Horace Wright

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Art and art related items may be returned to October Gallery in good condition within twenty (20) days of the purchase for store credit ONLY – unless otherwise stated on an invoice.
Items on layaway or even items paid for will be held by the gallery for no more than ninety (90) days from the original sale date. Refund is in store credit ONLY – unless other stated on an invoice.

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Blorgg Honklorph Malfonxia (2025), a tokenised work by the artist duo LoVid
Courtesy: Verse

To casual observers of the NFT (non-fungible token) market, the evidence of collapse keeps mounting. But figures across the landscape of blockchain art argue that more than meets the eye is happening in this niche—it just takes a radical reorientation of perspective.
First, the alarm bells. The owners of Nifty Gateway, a once-popular NFT exchange launched in 2020, announced early this year that the platform would shut down for good on 23 February. The move added another entry to a growing list of defunct exchanges, including KnownOrigin, LG Art Lab and MakersPlace—the platform that provided back-end infrastructure for the paradigm-shifting $69.3m sale of Beeple’s Everydays: The First 5000 Days at Christie’s in March 2021.
Surrounding Nifty Gateway’s closure, meanwhile, was the most severe sell-off in cryptocurrency history. The value of Bitcoin plunged more than 40% between September 2025 and early February 2026; its price dropped below $70,000 for the first time since the re-election of Donald Trump. Ether, the native currency of the Ethereum blockchain, and other coins were also down sharply over the same period.
None of this is good news for the blockchain art trade. Yet insiders advise that the first mistake would be to overestimate Nifty Gateway’s importance to the current state of NFTs. “Galleries close and open over the years, and while most of these marketplaces and platforms did not operate as a gallery per se, the analogy is indicative of my expectation that changes happen within an active industry,” says Adam Heft Berninger, the founder of New York’s technologically progressive Heft Gallery.
Other experts chalk up Nifty Gateway’s demise to more than just the organic churn of an evolving market. Muriel Quancard, an appraiser and consultant with a speciality in digital art, suggests the platform alienated many true believers in crypto art with its policies, such as muddying the on-chain provenance of NFTs minted there and discouraging users from moving their digital assets elsewhere.
“Nifty Gateway managed to unravel the very things blockchain and NFTs were designed to uphold: verifiable authorship, sovereignty and decentralisation,” she says.
Complicating the reaction to Nifty Gateway’s closure is what some insiders see as a larger, more fundamental misread. “People still talk about NFTs as if they’re a single category,” Quancard says. “In reality, there are many different artistic and technical forms with different dependencies.”
The popular vision of tokenised work remains yoked to a narrow subset of highly visible pieces—think pop culture-infused art by Beeple and series like the Bored Ape Yacht Club, comprising thousands of colourful cartoon apes. Multiple experts agree that these works have value, including as markers of a particular cultural moment in historical and art-historical time. But they do not represent the totality of crypto-based art.
Tali Hinkis and Kyle Lapidus, the artist duo known as LoVid, are one case in point. They told The Art Newspaper by email that they had found “enthusiasm, momentum and support for a wide variety of NFTs” in 2021-22, including a collection of 400 unique works they offered on the Art Blocks platform. But they have—at least for now—stopped doing large-scale drops. “With very few exceptions, the model of marketplaces and platforms doesn’t work for us,” they say. Instead, since 2024, the duo has been privately offering tokenised works through either bricks-and-mortar galleries or directly through the studio. “Recently, we also have been including NFTs as certificates of authenticity combined with paintings, photographs and video,” they write.
Berninger has taken a similar approach at Heft. “Almost all of the work we show has a tokenised component, where the collector receives or can claim a digital artwork whose ownership is recorded on the blockchain: an NFT,” he says—even though he may not always actually use the term “NFT”, he adds.
Quancard also notes that several other “ecosystems” for NFTs and generative art are not only still active but “more artist-friendly” than Nifty Gateway, including OpenSea, Feral File and Tezos. Ultimately, the survivors and the casualties “emphasise the same lesson: platforms come and go, but works and ecosystems built with stewardship and long-term thinking are better positioned to endure”.
With lessons learnt from NFTs, expert calls for legal guardrails to allow “trinity” of blockchain, responsible AI and smart contracts to launch an “automated economy”
Some of the works being minted on the blockchain are all hype—but some are brilliant conceptual works
The inaugural sale on Christie’s3.0 will consist of nine NFTs by the artist and activist Diana Sinclair
Hirst launches the Palm platform with a drop of 10,000 works on paper linked to NFTs that “explore the boundaries of art and currency”

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There is something quietly beautiful about what it means for Black women to care for one another and root for each other’s wins.
  Women’s History Month, and certainly Black Women’s History Month, invites us to celebrate the women who changed the course of history. Yet some of the most transformative acts of women’s leadership unfold in quieter ways, through the everyday choices women make to support, uplift, and invest in one another personally and professionally. 
And in this moment, when many Black women in leadership are navigating orchestrated sabotage and heightened scrutiny, something even more powerful is unfolding alongside it: Black women are finding one another. Black women are choosing one another. Black women are creating spaces of care, alignment, and mutual respect that sustain both the work and the people doing it. 
As women representing different generations, sharing space, leadership, and purpose, we have come to understand the joy and power that emerge when Black women intentionally create spaces where we can thrive together. 
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There is a natural magnetism to Black women. The world is drawn to that force and often nourished by it. But there is something even sweeter when that same magnetism draws us back to ourselves. In that return, we are no longer only pouring out. We are replenishing one another. 
The ripple effects are unmistakable. 
When people witness women celebrating one another without hesitation, it reshapes what leadership looks like. When care and respect are visible, others begin to extend the same to those around them. Over time, what begins as a relationship becomes culture. 
Colleagues feel safer bringing forward their ideas. Teams collaborate more freely. The workplace becomes less about proving oneself and more about building something meaningful together. 
This is the quiet power of women choosing each other. 
At its heart, this partnership is guided by shared values. We believe people are more important than any measure or metric. We believe leadership should expand dignity, not diminish it. And we believe the most enduring impact comes from relationships that nurture growth for everyone involved. 
There is also something quietly beautiful about what it means for two Black women to care for one another in this way: to lead with generosity, to open doors of opportunity and root for each other’s wins, and to model a kind of leadership rooted in mutuality. That care is not performative. It is simply who we choose to be with and for one another. 
And in choosing that, we create something larger than ourselves. 
We create a workplace where people thrive. 
We create a culture where encouragement travels faster than criticism. 
We create conditions where others feel invited to bring their best selves forward -unconditionally. Love is the lasso. 
When women choose relationship, respect and shared purpose, the impact travels far beyond the two people at the center of it. 
It becomes a way of working. It becomes a way of leading. 
And in time, it becomes the culture itself. 
We dedicate this to all the femtors, sisters, aunties, mothers, and generations of praying women who saw us in their holy imagination and interceded until that vision took root in our lives. 
Rev. Bethany Johnson-Javois is president & CEO of the Deaconess Foundation.
Constance Harper is the Vice President of Strategic Impact & Innovation at the Deaconess Foundation. 
SEE ALSO:
Ayanna Pressley Addresses Black Women’s Unemployment
Black Women’s Equal Pay Day Requires Equity in Policies
In The Face Of Threats, Black Women Continue To Show Up

What Becomes Possible When Black Women Choose Each Other? was originally published on newsone.com

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Nearly three decades after his death, the family of Lamont “Big L” Coleman says a forthcoming film will challenge old narratives and shed new light on the violence that shaped his life and legacy.
Nearly 30 years after the killing of Harlem rap legend Big L, his family says the full story has yet to be told—and they’re ready to change that.
According to a report from New York Post, a forthcoming documentary, “The Parable of Lamont,” aims to revisit the life and death of the influential MC, who was fatally shot in a 1999 drive-by shooting at just 24 years old. Best known for tracks like “Flamboyant,” “M.V.P.” and “Danger Zone,” Big L remains one of hip-hop’s most revered lyricists, with a legacy that continues to shape rap decades later.
Now, his brother Donald Phinazee is stepping forward publicly, promising that the film will offer clarity around a case that has long been clouded by speculation.
“Everything will be answered,” Phinazee said, according to the New York Post, which first reported the story. “For the first time, my family’s true story will be told, and it will be shocking.”
The documentary is expected to include never-before-seen home videos, unreleased footage and new testimony that could challenge widely held beliefs about the circumstances surrounding Big L’s killing.
Born and raised in Harlem, Big L’s music was deeply rooted in the environment that raised him. His debut album, “Lifestylez ov da Poor & Dangerous,” painted vivid portraits of life on the streets, often referencing the very block where he would later be killed—West 139th Street and Lenox Avenue, which he famously dubbed the “Danger Zone.”
Phinazee acknowledged that his brother’s story, like many from that era, cannot be separated from the realities of street life.
“Lamont was no saint,” he said, reflecting on the complexities of his brother’s upbringing and the influences around him.
Those influences included family ties to street activity. Big L’s older half-brother, Leroy “Big Lee” Phinazee, was reportedly connected to a notorious Harlem crew, a factor that investigators have long considered when examining possible motives behind the rapper’s murder.
At the time, authorities suggested the killing may have been retaliation tied to those affiliations or possibly a case of mistaken identity. A suspect was arrested months after the shooting but later released due to insufficient evidence.
The tragedy surrounding Big L did not end with his death.
In the years that followed, multiple members of his family were also killed within blocks of where he died, deepening the sense of unresolved grief and unanswered questions. His brother Leroy was killed in 2002, and his nephew—also named Leroy—was shot and killed in 2019. Their mother died in 2008.
For Phinazee, the cumulative loss has only intensified the need for clarity.
“My mother died of a broken heart,” he said.
The upcoming documentary appears to be both an attempt at closure and a reclamation of Big L’s narrative—one that goes beyond the headlines and into the lived experiences behind the music.
Despite the violence that marked his life and legacy, Big L’s impact on hip-hop remains undeniable. Known for his razor-sharp punchlines and effortless flow, he earned the respect of peers early on, even catching the attention of Jay-Z, who reportedly expressed interest in signing him.
For fans, the documentary represents more than a true-crime revisit. It’s a chance to better understand the man behind the music—and the environment that shaped both his brilliance and his fate.
A release date and distribution details for “The Parable of Lamont Coleman” have not yet been announced.
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Mueller, who died Friday at age 81, led the investigation into the Trump campaign’s ties to Russia during the 2016 Presidential election.
Do not consider President Donald Trump among the fond well-wishers for former FBI director Robert Mueller.
Mueller, who died Friday at the age of 81, after a multi-year battle with Parkinson’s disease, served as special counsel in an investigation into Trump and his campaign’s relationship with Russia and possible interference during the 2016 election. As condolences for Mueller’s service to the United States as FBI director circulated online, Trump offered a curt statement on his Truth Social account on Saturday.
“Robert Mueller just died. Good, I’m glad he’s dead. He can no longer hurt innocent people!” Trump wrote.
In 2019, Mueller issued his final report on the matter, concluding that Russia did interfere in the 2016 presidential election. However, he did not allege a criminal conspiracy had taken place between the Trump campaign and the Russian government. However, his 400+ page report found that the Trump administration repeatedly attempted to seize control of his investigation and even to have it shut down.
“If we had confidence after a thorough investigation of the facts that the president clearly did not commit obstruction of justice, we would so state. Based on the facts and the applicable legal standards, we are unable to reach that judgment,” Mueller noted in his report.
Trump has repeatedly called Mueller’s investigation into him and his first campaign a “hoax” and laid the blame at former President Barack Obama’s feet for it continuing. Last summer, Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and John Cornyn (R-TX) called for an investigation into Trump’s belief that Obama and his staff had undermined his campaign.
Ultimately, the investigation led to several Trump associates being found guilty of various crimes, including Roger Stone, George Papadopoulos, Rick Gates and others. In later years, Mueller continued to defend his work.
“Russia’s actions were a threat to America’s democracy. It was critical that they be investigated and understood,” Mueller wrote in a Washington Post op-ed in 2020. “By late 2016, the FBI had evidence that the Russians had signaled to a Trump campaign adviser that they could assist the campaign through the anonymous release of information damaging to the Democratic candidate.”
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The beauty queen and ophthalmology resident is continuing her recovery under close medical supervision after suffering a brain injury during the Miss Universe preliminary competition.
Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry is out of the hospital and continuing her recovery, nearly four months after a frightening fall during the 2025 Miss Universe preliminary competition left her with a serious brain injury.
Henry, 28, was released from medical care in Thailand and remains under close supervision as she begins the next phase of her recovery, according to reporting from People. While the update marks a major step forward, she has not yet resumed her pageant duties or returned to public appearances.
The incident occurred last November, in Bangkok, when Henry fell through an opening in the stage while competing in the evening gown portion of the preliminary competition. The fall resulted in a fracture, intracranial hemorrhage, and multiple injuries, including facial lacerations and a loss of consciousness that required intensive care and around-the-clock monitoring.
Since the accident, the Miss Universe Organization has covered all medical, rehabilitation and living expenses tied to her treatment in Thailand, including accommodations for her mother and sister, who remained by her side. The organization has also committed to covering future medical costs related to her injuries.
Henry has offered glimpses into her recovery in recent weeks. In a February Instagram post, she described the experience as a season of “restoration and renewal,” writing that the fall “shifted everything” but revealed a strength she didn’t know she had.
“A fall can uncover a depth of strength you did not know you possessed,” she shared.
Still, the impact of the incident has extended beyond the pageant stage. Legal representatives confirmed Henry has not been able to return to her work as an ophthalmology resident since the fall.
While her release from the hospital signals progress, her recovery is ongoing. For now, Henry’s focus remains on healing after an accident that reshaped both her career and her life.

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March 21, 2026
V-Dem, an institute at Sweden’s University of Gothenburg, has lowered the country’s democracy ranking from 20 to 51 out of 179 countries.
Three major reports have found that President Donald Trump has damaged American democracy at a remarkable speed since returning to office.
In a report from V-Dem, an institute at Sweden’s University of Gothenburg, researchers concluded that democracy in America has deteriorated so much that it has lowered the country’s democracy ranking from 20 to 51 out of 179 countries. The United States now resides between Slovakia and Greece.
Bright Line Watch’s survey of over 500 U.S. scholars concluded that the U.S. system now falls between a liberal democracy and a dictatorship. In a report from Freedom House, a D.C.-based democracy think tank, researchers said that among free countries, the U.S. joined Bulgaria and Italy in registering the largest declines in political rights and civil liberties last year, according to NPR.
“The developments in the United States are moving towards dictatorship, [which] the founders wanted to avoid,” Staffan Lindberg, founding director of V-Dem, told NPR. “It’s the most rapid decline ever in the history of the United States and one of the most rapid in the world.”
White House Spokeswoman Olivia Wales dismissed V-Dem’s analysis, describing the report as “a ridiculous claim made by an irrelevant, blatantly biased organization.”
V-Dem, which stands for Varieties of Democracy, collected analysis from more than 4,000 scholars, which is the largest of its kind.
Wales added Trump is a champion of freedom and democracy and the most transparent and accessible president ever. “His return to the White House saved the legacy media from going out of business,” Wales told NPR.
According to Lindberg, V-Dem downgraded America’s rating on several factors, including the Trump administration’s prioritization of executive power, overstepping the law, and attacks on the news media and freedom of speech. What’s most striking for the political scientist is the speed at which Trump has implemented the changes.
“Under the Trump administration, democracy has been rolled back as much during just one year as it took Modi in India and Erdogan in Turkey 10 years to accomplish, and Orban in Hungary four years,” he added.
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Mark your calendars for May 24. Hot 107.9’s Birthday Bash XXX is gearing up to be a monumental cultural celebration, and the King of the South is taking his rightful place on the throne as the headliner. T.I. helped architect the sound of an entire generation. When he steps on that stage, we will celebrate a legacy of empowering voices, representing our community, and delivering pure hip-hop excellence.
T.I. changed the landscape of rap. He took the gritty realities of Southern life and packaged them into global anthems. His versatility is unmatched. One moment he delivers a club-shaking banger that makes you want to move, and the next, he offers introspective verses that speak directly to our shared cultural experiences. He champions diversity in his sound, collaborating with everyone from underground legends to global pop stars.
To get you ready for the ultimate community celebration on May 24, we put together the definitive list of 30 essential T.I. tracks. From chart-topping singles to deep album cuts and gritty B-sides, this is the soundtrack of a legendary career.
1. What You Know
The ultimate coronation track. When those triumphant horns hit, everybody knows the King has arrived.
We care about your data. See our privacy policy.
2. 24’s
A legendary street anthem that officially put the music industry on notice. T.I. captured the car culture and the energy of the South perfectly.
3. U Don’t Know Me
Raw, defiant, and completely unapologetic. This track became an instant classic for anyone demanding respect.
4. Rubber Band Man
With a bouncy, infectious beat, T.I. showcased his effortless flow and magnetic charisma.
5. Bring Em Out
Jay-Z provided the sample, but T.I. provided the incredible energy. This remains a staple to hype up any crowd.
6. ASAP
Dark, brooding, and fiercely defensive of his crown. T.I. used this track to solidify his unquestionable dominance.
7. Top Back
A booming tribute to cruising through the city. It captures a specific, shared cultural vibe that resonates across neighborhoods.
8. Dope Boyz
An early cut from I’m Serious that laid the crucial foundation for the trap music explosion.
9. Bankhead (feat. P$C & Young Dro)
A hyper-local shoutout that showed T.I. never forgot his roots or the community that built him.
10. Trap Back Jumpin
A later career banger proving he never lost his edge or his connection to the streets.
11. Whatever You Like
A massive crossover success. T.I. proved he could make smooth, aspirational anthems without losing his authentic voice.
12. Big Things Poppin’ (Do It)
High energy and perfectly produced. This track pushed his sound further into the mainstream while keeping his core fans satisfied.
13. Let’s Get Away
A smooth, melodic cut that highlighted his storytelling ability and laid-back Southern charm.
14. Why You Wanna
Sampling a classic hip-hop beat, he created a laid-back summer staple perfect for cookouts and block parties.
15. You Know What It Is
Fast-paced and assertive. It highlights his sharp lyrical delivery over heavy, pounding bass.
16. Front Back (feat. UGK)
A beautiful homage to Texas and Georgia rap culture, bringing diverse Southern communities together.
17. Be Easy
A masterful album cut showing T.I.’s ability to blend street politics with an infectious, rhythmic bounce.
18. About the Money (feat. Young Thug)
A generational bridge. T.I. teamed up with the new wave to create an absolutely hypnotic club hit.
19. Swagga Like Us (feat. Jay-Z, Kanye West, Lil Wayne)
A monumental cultural event. T.I. stood toe-to-toe with rap’s heaviest hitters and anchored the whole track.
20. Ball (feat. Lil Wayne)
A vibrant, high-tempo celebration track inspired by the distinct bounce culture of New Orleans.
21. Live in the Sky (feat. Jamie Foxx)
A deeply emotional tribute to lost loved ones. T.I. gets vulnerable, reflecting on grief within the community.
22. Dead and Gone (feat. Justin Timberlake)
A powerful reflection on growth, consequences, and leaving a destructive past behind to empower a better future.
23. Live Your Life (feat. Rihanna)
An uplifting, motivational anthem. He uses his massive platform to encourage perseverance and ambition.
24. No Matter What
Recorded during a tumultuous time in his life, this track is a masterclass in resilience and staying strong through adversity.
25. Doin’ My Job
A thoughtful exploration of the systemic traps and realities facing young Black men trying to survive.
26. Still Ain’t Forgave Myself
An early, incredibly raw confession. T.I. strips away the bravado to show the heavy mental toll of his environment.
27. I Still Luv You
A complicated, honest narrative about loyalty, heartbreak, and personal relationships.
28. King of da South
A bold claim backed up by complex lyricism. He outlines exactly why he deserves the title he gave himself.
29. Motivation
A gritty B-side that serves as pure fuel for anyone grinding to better their circumstances.
30. Look What I Got
A celebratory reflection on climbing from the bottom to the top. It highlights the inclusive journey of making it against the odds.
We are ready to celebrate diversity, immense talent, and Southern hip-hop history. When T.I. takes the stage at Birthday Bash XXX on May 24, expect an unforgettable night that highlights the very best of our community. Grab your tickets, revisit these classics, and prepare to witness the King claim his throne.
The King’s Gamut: 30 Essential T.I. Tracks to Prep You for Birthday Bash XXX was originally published on hotspotatl.com

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We visited the Christin Marie Studio pop-up, while in LA, where we spoke to the CEO Christin Marie Nichols about the success of the brand and got a glimpse of all the jewels the shop has to offer.
With $4 million in sales in 2025 on Tik Tok Shop, Christin Marie Nichols has the top-selling jewelry brand on the app; constantly seeing six-figure live selling events. That’s almost as impressive as the back story behind the fabulous self-funded Black-owned brand. What started with a necklace she wore on her birthday bearing the symbol for the zodiac sign Gemini, inspired the business that would eventually grow an audience with a 57% repeat purchase rate. With a 2000% growth in email subscribers and 408% increase in TikTok followers since April 2025, it’s a testament to not only Christin Marie Studio’s ability to meet their clients where they are—on their phones—but the quality and price point of her pieces.
Most recently, Nichols brought the Christin Marie Studio shopping experience to life with a pop-up shop at the Grove in L.A .where customers can see her latest Daydream collection, in-person. The luxury shopping experience is extra special when you’re greeted by people who look like you.
We visited the shop, while in L.A. attending BOSSIP‘s Off-Script pre-Oscar’s luncheon where we spoke to the beauty about the success of the brand, and got a glimpse of all the jewels the shop has to offer. Check it out, below:

Christin Marie Studio Jewelry Should Be Your Latest Obsession was originally published on hellobeautiful.com

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Founded by formerly enslaved people, East Towson residents say a new housing project threatens not just land, but generations of history, environmental stability, and community preservation.
In East Towson, Maryland, the fight over land is about more than zoning or development. It’s about protecting one of the region’s oldest historically Black communities, and the fragile ecosystem that has sustained it for generations. According to AFRO News, construction on the site has already been halted due to state permit violations.
Founded in the 1850s by formerly enslaved people from the Ridgely Estate, East Towson has long stood as a testament to Black resilience and self-determination. Now, residents say that legacy is once again under threat as development pressures close in on the neighborhood’s last remaining forest and wetlands.
Construction on a proposed 56-unit affordable housing project known as Red Maple Place has been temporarily halted after the Maryland Department of the Environment found the site in violation of state permits. But for many residents, the pause is only a small victory in a much longer battle.
“This is the last of what we have,” one resident shared, echoing a sentiment that has been building for nearly a decade as neighbors have pushed back against what they describe as unchecked development.
The project, planned for 407 E. Joppa Road, would sit on just 2.5 acres, but its impact, residents argue, could be far-reaching. Community advocates say the development would significantly reduce the required forest buffer, from 100 feet to just 25 feet, increasing the risk of flooding and environmental degradation in an area already vulnerable to stormwater runoff.
And some say those impacts are already being felt.
“Since the clearing began, it rained a lot, and the drainage, standing water, or sediment runoff is still visible,” said resident Martha Levene, describing the aftermath of early site work that began in mid-February.
For others, the concern is structural. Michele Yendall, who lives nearby, worries about the long-term stability of her community’s infrastructure.
“I’m particularly concerned about the support wall of our West Parking lot,” she said, noting that decades of use had never caused issues until construction began. “Now we’re seeing changes.”
Residents also say they were left out of the process entirely.
“There were no public notices as required by law prior to construction,” Yendall added.
A report from the Maryland Department of the Environment appears to support some of those concerns, documenting multiple violations, including the lack of proper stormwater permits, missing environmental plans, and failure to post required public notices.
For State Sen. Mary L. Washington, who represents the district, the situation reflects a much longer pattern.
“East Towson, a historically African-American community, has consistently borne a disproportionate burden from development,” Washington said.
She pointed to decades of infrastructure and housing projects in the neighborhood since the 1960s. Projects that have reshaped the community over time.
Single-family homes have been demolished. Green spaces have disappeared. Even a Negro League baseball field was replaced by a utility substation.
“All these changes have primarily benefited expanding housing and commercial developments, often at the expense of East Towson’s residents,” Washington said.
Now, residents fear history is repeating itself—this time with environmental consequences that could extend beyond their neighborhood.
Washington emphasized that protecting the wetlands and forested areas in East Towson is critical not only locally but also regionally. The land plays a role in managing stormwater runoff and protecting waterways that feed into the Chesapeake Bay.
Still, questions remain about how the project moved forward in the first place.
Washington said she has received responses from state agencies, but was surprised by what she described as a lack of accountability from Baltimore County officials, particularly around development approvals and environmental protections.
On the other side, the project’s developer, Homes for America, maintains that the development followed proper channels.
“The development was approved by every County department and proceeded upon receipt of our MDE stormwater permit,” said CEO Dana Johnson. “As soon as we were advised that there was an additional permit required, we immediately complied.”
Johnson also pushed back against criticism of the project itself.
“We believe that affordable housing builds community,” she said, noting the need for housing options for essential workers, seniors and people with disabilities.
But for many residents, the issue isn’t whether affordable housing is needed. It’s where—and at what cost.
In a community built by formerly enslaved people, where land has long served as both refuge and resource, the stakes feel especially high.
“This isn’t just about trees,” one advocate said. “It’s about preserving a community that has already lost so much.”
As the fight continues, Washington is urging broader public attention, calling on residents across Maryland to demand environmental accountability and greater oversight.
For East Towson, the outcome could determine whether one of the state’s oldest Black communities continues to stand—or continues to be chipped away, piece by piece.

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The move echoes a similar one made by the estate of Quincy Jones. Turner, who died in 2023, won 12 Grammy Awards during her career and was the subject of the 2021 documentary ‘Tina’.
Tina Turner‘s music rights, which she sold to BMG in 2021 for $50 million, are on the move again.
Swedish company Pophouse Entertainment has acquired the rights to Turner’s name, image and likeness, as well as the majority of her catalog for an undisclosed amount. The company, known for its immersive entertainment ventures, namely through digital avatars, had long shown interest in doing more with Turner.
“One of the reasons that we were so interested in Tina is because she has such an incredible visual presence and such an incredible stage energy. And so, we’re very much looking at projects that can portray that and try to recreate that to some degree,” Pophouse CEO Jessica Koravos told the Associated Press.
She added, “What we want to do is really help to consolidate her legacy. I think that Tina Turner is up there, or is going to be up there, with the Elvises and the Marilyn Monroes of the world.”
Turner, who died in 2023, was known as the “Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll” and wowed audiences with her stage performance and hit songs such as “What’s Love Got To Do With It,” “Proud Mary,” “Private Dancer,” “The Best” and more. She won 12 Grammy Awards during her career and was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy. She was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice, first as a member of Ike & Tina in 1991 and as a solo act in 2021.
Shortly after her death, BMG and Pophouse began discussions about her catalog. While BMG still has a percentage of the catalog, according to Koravos, Turner’s estate was “as a counterparty but certainly involved and in the sense of informed and participating in the conversations.”
“Tina Turner’s voice and spirit shaped modern music and popular culture,” Alistair Norbury, president of BMG U.K., Continental Europe and APAC, wrote in a statement. “Our responsibility, alongside Pophouse and the Estate, is to ensure her work continues to resonate with audiences around the world, while remaining true to the strength, independence and originality that defined her career.”
Recently, the estate of Quincy Jones sold his name, image and likeness rights to investment firm HarbourVIew for an undisclosed amount.
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When most people talk about Spike Lee movies, they think about the joints he directed, from “Do the Right Thing” to “Malcolm X” and “BlacKkKlansman.” But Spike Lee’s movie legacy is bigger than his director credits, thanks to a long list of films he has produced or executive produced through his 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks banner.
As his influence grew, he expanded his 40 Acres, and backed projects beyond his own filmography. In 2019, after decades in the industry, he finally won a competitive Oscar for “BlacKkKlansman.” That win only confirmed a legacy that was already secure.
RELATED: 20 Black Male Actors Redefining Hollywood In 2026 And Beyond
Yet Lee’s impact doesn’t end with the movies he directs. Through 40 Acres and a Mule, he’s also produced or executive produced a number of titles that fans may not immediately connect to him. His name may not appear in the “Directed by” line, but it’s still there in the credits. That credit often helps get these projects made and seen.
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Produced by Lee’s company, this ensemble dramedy from director Malcolm D. Lee follows college friends reuniting for a wedding, mixing romance, secrets and sharp humor.
Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, this New Line release pairs a love story with a lifelong hoops rivalry, becoming a staple Black romance with Lee’s banner behind it.
Executive produced by Lee, the horror anthology from Rusty Cundieff uses genre storytelling to tackle racism, police brutality and abuse.​​
Years later, Lee returns as executive producer as Cundieff and Darin Scott revive the franchise with more socially driven horror tales.​
Serving as executive producer, Lee supports David C. Johnson’s satirical drama about a secret group “reprogramming” Black people who’ve sold out their communities.​
As an executive producer, Lee backs Michael Larnell’s low-key indie about friendship and loyalty over one long day in St. Louis.​
Executive produced by Lee, Paul Dalio’s drama looks at bipolar disorder through the relationship of two poets who meet in a psychiatric hospital.​
Nigerian Prince (2018)
Lee lends his name as executive producer to Faraday Okoro’s thriller about a Nigerian American teen caught up in an email scam operation overseas.​
Produced with 40 Acres’ support, Stefon Bristol’s time-travel film follows two Bronx teens trying to save a loved one from a police killing.
As an executive producer, Lee helps bring Darius Clark Monroe’s documentary to audiences, chronicling the filmmaker’s own past as a teenage bank robber.​

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March 21, 2026
She gave the players Louis Vuitton Imagination perfume.
Dawn Staley, head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team, surprised the Southern University women’s basketball team with gifts ahead of their NCAA Tournament matchup, showing respect and support for the HBCU program before they faced off on the court.
After Southern University secured a 65–58 win over Samford in the NCAA Tournament, First Four, Staley, who was in attendance, visited the team and later gifted players Louis Vuitton Imagination perfume. This move resonated as a sign of support and respect from Staley, a well-respected figure in women’s college basketball. 
Staley stopped by Southern University’s hotel before the game, taking time to greet players as she prepared to face them in the next round. Her presence alone impacted the team, as players recognized the respect being shown. 
“Her being here, getting to hear the words she had for our team, it was just great,” Southern University Lady Jaguars guard Mykayla Cunningham said, as reported by Sports Illustrated. “It’s great that she took the time out because she’s a very busy woman. She’s smart. She sat and watched the game. Wrote down notes about both teams; she’s going to be prepared. And that’s how we have to come out and be prepared against her.” 
Staley and her players stayed to watch the Jaguars play. After the game, Staley gave the team perfume, surprising the players and sparking an emotional reaction throughout the room. The Lady Jaguars were gifted a Louis Vuitton “Imagination,” which came in response to some players asking what she was wearing when she spoke to them. 
“She walked in the meeting room, the kids blew up,” Southern assistant coach Jeremy Bonin said of Staley coming to Southern’s hotel, USA Today reported. “They loved it. So there was definitely some motivation for us to try to win that game (Thursday), which we were lucky enough to do.” 
Staley, speaking to the team, reflected her continued commitment to uplifting HBCU programs. Throughout her career, she has used her platform to raise visibility for HBCUs, whether through speaking engagements or scheduling games. 
Southern University is now preparing to face South Carolina on March 21 in a matchup that carries both competitive intensity and mutual respect. 
RELATED CONTENT: Dawn Staley Urges Prayers For Former Gamecocks Players Trapped In Israel Amid Airstrikes

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